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bardo's review against another edition
4.0
What would it be like to be the personal assistant for your ideal? A Star is Bored is the alternate universe to The Devil Wears. Lane takes us through two lives that intermingle and the journey they take together. Charlie is the fan geek in all of us, trying to forge an authentic relationship with a celebrity they do not understand. Lane gives an intense depiction of Charlie's upbringing and how these experiences lead him to latch into Kathi Kannon, his leading lady. Kathi's life is also revealed slowly through the eyes of Charlie and his many duties as a personal assistant. The pace is fast and witty with intense personal insight sprinkled in. Yet, the story seemed at times too forced and made it seem as if it was being thrown at the reader. While the reader gets an unforgiving look into Charlie's life, Kathi is left mostly as a shell of a person. Almost a charcuterie instead of an authentic fleshed out character.
bardo's review against another edition
4.0
What would it be like to be the personal assistant for your ideal? A Star is Bored is the alternate universe to The Devil Wears. Lane takes us through two lives that intermingle and the journey they take together. Charlie is the fan geek in all of us, trying to forge an authentic relationship with a celebrity they do not understand. Lane gives an intense depiction of Charlie's upbringing and how these experiences lead him to latch into Kathi Kannon, his leading lady. Kathi's life is also revealed slowly through the eyes of Charlie and his many duties as a personal assistant. The pace is fast and witty with intense personal insight sprinkled in. Yet, the story seemed at times too forced and made it seem as if it was being thrown at the reader. While the reader gets an unforgiving look into Charlie's life, Kathi is left mostly as a shell of a person. Almost a charcuterie instead of an authentic fleshed out character.
jessplayin's review against another edition
3.0
While Byron Lane mentions several times this is simply influenced by his time as Carrie Fisher's personal assistant there are very clear parallels that beg the question how much of this is simply autobiographical? It's definitely clear that Byron has experienced a lot of what he's talking about and the rich detail is "A Star is Bored" is one of the things I liked about it.
I wouldn't say it's riotously funny or incredibly witty, but it has a very low key charming quality throughout. I loved the character of Charlie Besson and I was rooting throughout for his growth and for him to overcome his childhood trauma. Some of the banter in the book involving his character is also top notch. So you may be wondering why I'm giving it a three stars if my review is so glowing? Well I really disliked Kathi Kannon.
Kathi is a spoiled rich celebrity and some of her behavior in the book is simply awful to Charlie and others. So I couldn't really understand the magnetism or "shine" that keeps drawing people into her orbit. Charlie is a very codependent personality type so you can understand why he is attracted to this, but are the rest simply doing it for money? Celebrities can get away with a lot so I'm sure this is a realistic depiction but it just felt tedious and far fetched at times.
Overall though it's a fast paced and fairly enjoyable read with some rather poignant moments. Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co for the advanced readers copy!
I wouldn't say it's riotously funny or incredibly witty, but it has a very low key charming quality throughout. I loved the character of Charlie Besson and I was rooting throughout for his growth and for him to overcome his childhood trauma. Some of the banter in the book involving his character is also top notch. So you may be wondering why I'm giving it a three stars if my review is so glowing? Well I really disliked Kathi Kannon.
Kathi is a spoiled rich celebrity and some of her behavior in the book is simply awful to Charlie and others. So I couldn't really understand the magnetism or "shine" that keeps drawing people into her orbit. Charlie is a very codependent personality type so you can understand why he is attracted to this, but are the rest simply doing it for money? Celebrities can get away with a lot so I'm sure this is a realistic depiction but it just felt tedious and far fetched at times.
Overall though it's a fast paced and fairly enjoyable read with some rather poignant moments. Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt and Co for the advanced readers copy!
keeley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sugaringhoney's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
gsusana's review against another edition
5.0
I have to admit I had no idea what I was getting into when I picked this book up at my local bookstore. I hate to admit I’ve never even watched films with Carrie Fisher or not that I remember…? Any who! This book was amazing. I laughed out loud while also feeling on the verge of tears from the real life moments the narrator (assistant) had. This book was about growth and reflection and learning to embrace all the ugly in your life while learning you can always move past it even if you have to hurt along the way. It was a beautifully written piece and I hope it’s enjoyed by many!
jd8's review against another edition
All the characters are insufferable and just so much about worshiping the same BS that the character criticizes Hollywood for
aaj0324's review against another edition
Honestly, i should never have started this. It was an interesting concept but the writing was a little weird and i am in the middle of ACOTAR so I just couldn't focus on the 2 at once.
nilsna's review against another edition
2.0
Sometimes funny, sometimes good, mostly trivial and lacking the humor I was expecting from a character obviously inspired by Carrie Fisher. I guess you should follow the author's advice and actually read Carrie Fisher's books. They are actually quite hilarious.